The Irish lad and Dale kept a close eye on Dan Baxter, who was with Coulter and Reff Ritter. At a few minutes to seven the bully and his cronies started away from the Hall in the direction of a side road—that leading past the Shepard farm.
“Here is where we hold ’em up a bit,” said Dale, and ran forward calling loudly.
“What do you want?” asked the bully, stopping short, with a scowl.
“Wait a minute,” said Dale, and walked up slowly, while Hogan did the same.
“Don’t be all night about it,” put in Reff Ritter.
“What’s this report I heard to-day?” said Dale, facing the bully.
“What report?” asked Baxter, suspiciously.
“You know, Baxter.”
“I must say I do not.”
“About that race on the ice, and all that,” said Hogan. “It’s a queer tale, so it is! Didn’t yez hear all about it at Cedarville?”